LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



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US 22-53 

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—44-87 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 




Regulations for Conducting Business, 
and Form of Initiation, of the^cFirst 

or White Degree of the A*. U. O. of 
S. and D. B. and S. of Moses. 



Printed for the Order, A. D. 1887. 




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U 



_U MV10 1887 J' 



'This Book is valued at Five Dollars, and any Officer 
who loses a copy of the same will be fined Five Dollars. 



£-* 



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FORM OF OPENING 

THE 

FIRST OR WHITE DEGREE 

OF THE 

Ancient United Order of Sons and Daughters 
Brothers and Sisters of Moses. 



As soon as a quorum is present, the Worthy Superior 
takes his position and calls the house to order by giving two 
hard raps. 

Worthy Superior. — Worthy Vice, for what purpose 
have we met here this evening ? 

Worthy Yice. — To open Tabernacle, No. 

, of the Ancient United Order of Sons and Daughters, 

Brothers and Sisters of Moses. 

Worthy Superior. — What is our first duty ? 

Worthy Yice. — To see that all persons present are 
members of this Order. 

Worthy Superior. — The Worthy Conductors will 
please perform their duties and report to the Worthy Vice. 

[Note. — Conductors examine the house by collecting the pass- 
word, and will report the members who have not the password to the 
Worthy Vice, who will report them to the Worthy Superior, who 
makes inquiry among the members if the member can be vouched for. 
If they are properly vouched for they advance to the Worthy Vice and 
are qualified with the password ; if they cannot be vouched for they 
are conducted from the chamber. The Conductors then make the 
following report to the Worthy Vice.] 

Conductors. — Worthy Vice, we have examined the 
house, and find all worthy members of this Order. 

Worthy Vice. — Worthy Superior, the Conductors have 
examined the house and find all present to be worthy mem- 
bers of this Order. 

Worthy Superior. — Thank you, Worthy Vice. The 
officers and members will please regail themselves. 

[Note. — The Worthy Superior proceeds in the following manner 
to examine the officers' departments, and the officers report whether 
they are properly clothed or not ; if not properly clothed, they will 
report them and ask for an excuse.] 



Worthy Superior. — "Worthy Vice, are all the members 
in your department properly clothed ? 

Worthy Yice. — They are, Worthy Superior. 

Worthy Superior. — Past Worthy Yice, are all the 
members in your department properly clothed ? 

Past Worthy Yice. — They are, Worthy Superior. 

Worthy Superior. — Worthy Priest, are all the mem- 
bers in your department properly clothed ? 

Worthy Priest. — They are, Worthy Superior. 

Worthy Superior. — Worthy Secretary, are all the 
members in our department properly clothed ? 

Worthy Secretary. — They are, Worthy Superior. 

Worthy Superior. — Worthy Yice, officers and mem- 
bers of Tabernacle, No , Ancient United 

Order Sons and Daughters Brothers and Sisters of Moses : I 
will now proceed to open this Tabernacle. Officers bring 
your works to the altar for inspection, likewise members 
assemble around, form a circle and assist me to open this 
Tabernacle. 

[Note.— Worthy Superior sounds his gavel three times and gives 
out the following ode.] 

ODE. 

Try us, O God, and search the ground 

Of every sinful heart, 
What 'er of sin in us be found, 

O bid it all depart ! 

When to the right or left we stray, 

Leave us not comfortless ; 
But guide our feet into the way 

Of everlasting peace. 

[Note.— Worthy Chaplain offers up a prayer.] 

PRAYER. 

O Lord ! most merciful, we thank thee that thou hath 
permitted us to assemble here this evening for the purpose 
of transacting the business of the Tabernacle. Guide and 
direct us in our deliberations and instill within us a frater- 
nal feeling of love. Bless all the good efforts that the mem- 
bers of this Tabernacle may engage in, towards carrying out 
the principles of Charity and building up this Tabernacle. 



Bless the officers of this Tabernacle ; guard and protect them 
in the discharge of the duties assigned to them. After 
length of years make us tired of earthly joys, and when we 
have finished all that thou hast appointed for us to do, 
receive us, we pray thee, into the Grand Tabernacle above. 
And we will praise thee for ever and ever. Amen. 

[Note. — Members all make the following response three times.] 

Members. — Evermore, Amen. Evermore, Amen. Ever- 
more, Amen. 

Worthy Superior. — Brothers and Sisters, according to 
ancient custom of Moses in sending the children of Israel 
out from rest to labor, and in calling them from labor to 
rest, he formed them in a circle and swore them to know 
whether they had been resting in Peace and Harmony or 
working in Union, Friendship and Love, and those who had 
not been resting in Peace and Harmony or working in Union, 
Friendship and Love, were not allowed to assemble in the 
circle. So in like manner do we form you in a circle and 
swear you by asking you the following questions, to know 
whether you are in Peace and Harmony with each other. 

"Worthy Superior. — Are you all in Peace and Harmony 
with each other. 

Membees respond. — I am. 

Worthy Superior. — Can you give the right hand of 
fellowship to each brother or sister now assembled' in the 
circle? 

Members respond. — I can. 

Worthy Superior. — Will you aid a worthy brother or 
sister of this Order when in distress if in your power to do 
so? 

Members respond. — I will. 

Worthy Superior. — Brothers and Sisters, you have 
spoken with your lips ; it is with you and God to know 
whether your hearts mean what you have said. Let us go 
through our obligations. 

[Note.— Members repeat the following obligation after the "W". 
Superior.] 

OBLIGATION. 
To God the Father, to God the Son, to God the Holy 
Ghost. Rest remain with us. Keep us together under the 



6 

laws, rules, regulations and principles of our Order. May 
we live under them as the children of Israel did live under 
the laws, rules, regulations and principles of Moses. May 
we be submissive to our superior officers so far as they carry 
out the rules, regulations and principles of our Order. May 
we bind these principles with a three-fold cord of love which 
cannot be broken by men nor by devils. Evermore. Amen. 

[Note. — Members make the following response three times.] 
Evermore. Amen. 

[The signs are then given. After which the W. V. and W. S. 
communicate.] 

Worthy Vice. — By direction of the Worthy Superior, 

I now declare Tabernacle, No. , Ancient 

United Order of Sons and Daughters Brothers and Sisters of 
Moses open for the transaction of all business that may 
come before it. 

Worthy Superior. — I so declare the Tabernacle open. 
How do the Brothers and Sisters of Moses meet on the first 
degree ? 

Members all respond. — So let us now meet, in Union, 
Friendship and Love. 

Worthy Superior. — By the authority of this Charter, 

I now declare Tabernacle, No , Ancient 

United Order of Sons and Daughters Brothers and Sisters 
of Moses open for the transaction of all business that may 
come before it, we trust in Union, Friendship and Love. 
Officers take their works and go to their proper stations 
and members will be seated. 

[Note. — "Worthy Superior gives two raps and the Worthy Yice 
one rap, with their gavels, upon the altar.] 

ROUTINE OF BUSINESS. 

1. Eoll of Officers. 

2. Reading the minutes of the previous meeting. 

3. Absentees of last meeting fined. 

4. Reports of visiting committee on sick. 

5. Sick members reported. 

G. Report of committee on candidates. 

7. Balloting for candidates. 

8. Initiation. 

9. Applications of candidates. 



10. Deferred Business. 

11. New Business. 

12. Appeal from fines. 

13. Calling the roll. 

14. Application for degrees. 

15. Presenting of charges. 

16. Election of Officers. 

17. Installation of Officers. 

18. Closing of Tabernacle. 



FORM OF INITIATION. 



The candidates are visited in the ante-chamber by the 
Worthy Vice and Conductors, who ask the candidates the 
following questions, to which they reply "Yes" or "No." 

"Are you in sound and good health and free from all 
bodily disease ?" 

"Have you read the Constitution and By-Laws of this 
Order ?" 

"Are you willing to be governed by them when 
thoroughly made acquainted with them?" 

"Have you any malice or ill feeling in your heart 
against any member of this Order?" 

[Note. — The Worthy Vice and Conductors return to the Taber- 
nacle and report the candidates. If found worthy, they are blind- 
folded and led to the door of the Tabernacle, which is closely guarded 
by the Inside Sentinel. The Conductor tells the candidate to give 
two hard raps upon the door, which are answered from within by the 
Worthy Superior by one hard rap.] 

Worthy Superior. — Who hast thou brought captive to 
our gates ? 

Worthy Conductor. — A stranger without a protector. 

Worthy Superior. — Why hast thou brought a stranger 
without a protector into our secret chamber ? Dost thou 
not know that no persons but Brothers and Sisters of Moses 
dwell within this secret chamber ? 



Worthy Conductor. — Yes. But I have been sworn by 
my Most Grand Superior of the Universe and Grand Supe- 
rior of this Tabernacle that I would protect all strangers 
who seek after wisdom like the pilgrims of old. I have 
told them to follow me and I would instruct them where 
wisdom and light could be obtained, and they have done so. 

Worthy Superior. — Have they complied in all things 
concerning the rules and regulations of this Tabernacle? 

Worthy Conductor. — They have, Worthy Superior. 

Worthy Superior. — Have they a sign or a pass by which 
they can enter our secret chamber ? 

Worthy Conductor. — They have not, Worthy Superior ; 
but I have and will travel with them aud deliver them into 
my worthy brothers' and sisters' hands, where justice will 
be done to them. 

Worthy Superior. — Advance and give the password. 

[Note. — Conductor advances and gives the password.] 

Worthy Superior. — Password is correct. Let the candi- 
dates enter. 

Worthy Superior to Candidate. — Stranger, it is wisdom 
that I should ask you some questions before you proceed any 
further into the mysteries of this Order. When you was 
waited upon in the ante-chamber by the Worthy Vice and 
Conductors, did you not say that you was in sound and good 
health and free from all bodily diseases ? Also that you had 
read the constitution and by-laws of this Order, and that 
you was willing to be governed by them when duly made 
acquainted with them ? Also that you had no malice or ill 
feeling in your heart against any brother or sister of this 
Order? If you have answered all of these questions truth- 
fully, put your trust in the Lord and pass on. 

ODE. 

I saw a way-worn traveller in tattered garments clad, 
And struggling up the mountain it seemed that he was sad ; 
His back was laden heavy, his strength was almost gone, 
Yet he shouted as he journeyed, " Deliverance will come." 

Chorus. — Then palms of victory, crowns of glory, 
Palms of victory I shall wear. 



The summer sun was shining, the sweat was on his brow, 
His garments worn and dusty, his steps seemed very slow, 
But he kept pressing onward, for he was wending home, 
Still shouting as he journeyed " Deliverance will come." — Cho. 

The songsters in the arbor that stood beside the way 
Attracted his attention, inviting his delay, 
His watchword being H onward " he stopped his ears and ran, 
Still shouting as he journeyed " Deliverance will come." — Cho. 

Worthy Conductor. — There are those who have trouble, 
who have sorrow, who have misery without end — they that 
love dissipation and wine. 

Worthy Superior. — Then let them cease to do evil and 
learn to do good, and they will prosper in this life and that 
which is to come. The Conductor will please conduct the 
candidates with my compliments to the Worthy Chaplain 
to hear a lesson from the Holy Word of God. 

Worthy Conductor. — Worthy Chaplain, the Worthy Su- 
perior sends* these candidates to you with his compliments 
to hear a lesson from the Holy Word of God. 

Worthy Chaplain. — Stranger, you have come, I trust, 
for no other purpose than to be united with us; and if this 
is your object, you will listen to a lesson which I shall read 
to you from the Holy Bible for your moral as well as for 
your mental instruction, before you can proceed any further 
in this decree. 



'o' 



Exodus Chapter XIX. 

Worthy Chaplain. — Worthy Conductors, you will please 
conduct the candidates with my compliments to the Worthy 
Superior for further instruction in this degree. 

ODE. 

A charge to keep I have, 

A God to glorify, 
A never-dying soul to save 

And fit it for the sky. 

To serve the present age, 

My calling to fulfil, 
O may it all my powers engage, 

To do my Master's will. 



10 

Arm me with jealous care, 

As in thy sight to live, 
And O, thy servant, Lord, prepare 

A strict account to give. 

Help me to watch and pray 

And on thyself rely, 
Assur'd if I my trust betray 

I shall forever die. 

Worthy Conductor . — "Worthy Superior, the Worthy Chap- 
lain sends these candidates to you, with his compliments, 
for further instruction in this degree. 

Worthy Superior. — Stranger, you have heard how that 
Moses was chosen by the Lord from his birth that he might 
become Grand Superior over the Israelites, to bring them 
out of Egypt, that they might serve God in the wilderness. 
But Pharaoh would not hearken unto Moses, neither would 
he hearken unto the word of the Lord; and the Lord 
hardened Pharaoh's heart, and brought ten plagues upon 
him, plague after plague, until he destroyed him in the Bed 
Sea. I trust that you will not harden your heart against 
the teachings of the Lord and the teachings of this Order as 
they are laid down by Moses, and be destroyed like this 
wicked King ; but may you remain steadfast and unmov- 
able until the end. Now ask, and you shall receive; seek 
aud you shall find ; knock and it shall be opened unto 
you. 

[JSTote. — Sentinel gives a hard knock upon the door.] 

The knock that you have just heard is one of the most 
important secrets of this Degree. Before you can be lead into 
the mysteries of that knock you will have to be conducted 
back from whence you came ; thence around the altar, and 
bow at the altar on your bended knees and receive an 
obligation. 

You will conduct the candidates around the room and 
thence around the altar and bow them at the altar where 
they will receive an obligation. 

ODE. 

i . We will all walk together 
For to learn to do right, 
We will all walk together 
For to learn to do right. 

Chorus. — Zion, behold the heavens, 

When the bridegroom comes. 



11 

2. We will lock our hands together 

For to learn to do right ; 
We will lock our hands together 
For to learn to do right. — Chorus. 

3. We will all sing together 

For to learn to do right ; 
We will all sing together 

For to learn to do right. — Chorus. 

4. We will march around the altar 

For to learn to do right ; 
We will march around the altar 
For to learn to do right Chorus. 

5. We will bow at the altar 

For to learn to do right; 
We will bow at the altar 

For to learn to do right. — Chorus. 

6. We will place our hand on the Bible 

For to learn to do right ; 
We will place our hand on the Bible, 
For to learn to do right Chorus. * 

7. We will take the obligation 

For to learn to do right ; 
We will take the obligation 

For to learn to do right.— Chorus. 

Worthy Conductor. — Worthy Superior, the candidates 
are now bowed at the altar waiting your arrival for obliga- 
tion. 

Worthy Superior. — Officers and members will please 
assemble around the altar and assist me in obligating the 
candidates. 

Worthy Superior to Candidates. — Strangers, you are now 
bowed down at the altar where man was taught to pray. 
When there was only four persons upon this earth, Adam, 
Eve, Cain and Abel, it was revealed to them by the 
Almighty that they should serve Him as the Supreme Being. 
For this purpose there was two offerings made ; one offering 
was the fatling of the flock and the other was the fruits of the 
earth. The offering of the fatling of the flock was received, 
but the offering of the fruits of the earth was not received; 



12 

which shows to you that it is not every one who says " Lord, 
Lord," shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who 
doeth the will of the Father. Are you prepared to receive 
an obligation such as we all have taken ? 

Candidates. — I am. 

Worthy Superior to Candidates. — If you are willing to 
take this obligation repeat your name and say after me : 

OBLIGATION, 

"I, , of my own free will and accord, in the 

presence of Almighty God and the Grand Officers and 
Supreme Officers here assembled, most solemnly promise and 
swear, that I will not make known or divulge any of the 
secrets, signs, alarms, grips and passwords of this First or 
White Degree of the Ancient United Order of Sons and 
Daughters Brothers and Sisters of Moses, to any person or 
persons except those who are duly qualified to receive 
them. 

"I furthermore promise and swear, that I will be subject 
to the General laws, By-laws and Resolutions which are 
made by the Grand Encampment from time to time. So 
help me God. 

" I furthermore promise and swear, that I will do noth- 
ing nor cause anything to be done on my part, that would 
injure my brother or sister or cause a disturbance in the 
Order, but I will do all I can to study the Peace and Pros- 
perity of the Order. 

"I furthermore promise and swear, that I will not 
write or indite or cause to be written upon anything mova- 
ble or immovable, so that the same may be obtained under 
the canopy of Heaven, by any person or persons otherwise 
than those who have been dulv initiated into this Order, 
which is signs, tokens, alarms, grips and passwords, of this 
First or "White Degree. So help me God. 

" I furthermore promise and swear by having this pure 
water poured upon my head, that it may be a living witness 
and testimony, to rise up in judgment against me, together 
with my Brothers and Sisters, should I willfully violate this 
pledge, oath and obligation. 

" I furthermore promise and swear that I will support 
the Grand Charter and the charter of my subordinate 
Tabernacle, provided that it does not conflict with the laws 
of my country. 



13 

u I furthermore promise and swear, that I will not wrong 
a worthy Brother or Sister out of anything; no, not out of 
the value of one cent ; and I will not suffer them to be 
wronged if it is in my power to prevent it. 

" I furthermore promise and swear, that I will assist a 
worthy'brother or sister in distress if in my power to do so. 

" I furthermore promise and swear, that I will not be 
found assembling with any expelled parties in Tabernacle 
capacity. 

" I furthermore promise and swear, that I will not 
recognize any persons in lodge capacity who claim to have 
the name of a Tabernacle of the Order of Moses, except they 
have a legal Dispensation or charter, duly granted by the 
Grand Master of the Grand Encampment, and not then will 
I recognize them, unless the names of the Grand Officers are 
written on their Dispensation or Charter, and the seals of 
the Grand Encampment are on the same with the three 
colors of ribbon attached thereto, which is white, blue and 
red ; and should I find any illegal Tabernacle claiming the 
name of the Ancient United Order of Sons and Daughters 
Brothers and Sisters of Moses I will assist the grand officers 
in breaking them up. So help me God. 

" I furthermore promise and swear, that if I should see 
any danger approaching this Order, that I will approach the 
nearest officer or Grand officer and inform them of the 
approaching danger. So help me God. Keep me steadfast 
and unmovable unto the end. Evermore. Amen." 

Worthy Superior. — Having taken a solemn obligation 
you will now T confirm th e obligation by kissing the Holy 
Bible three times. 

Worthy Superior.— As you now remain in darkness, 
what do you wish to see ? 

The Worthy Conductor prompts the candidate to say : 
" I wish to see the Brothers and Sisters of Moses." 

Worthy Superior. — Why do you wish to see the Brothers 
and Sisters of Moses? 

The Worthy Conductor prompts the candidate to say : 
" That I may see and learn their good examples." 

Worthy Superior. — Brothers and Sisters, please to assem- 
ble around, and let the candidates see and learn our good 
examples. 



14 

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 
And the earth was without form, and void ; and darkness 
was upon the face of the deep ; and the spirit of God moved 
upon the face of the waters. And God made two great 
lights ; the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light 
to rule the night. He made the stars also. And God set 
them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the 
earth, to divide the day from the night, and let them be for 
signs, and for seasons, and for days and for years. And 
God said, let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving 
creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the 
earth in the open firmament of heaven. And God said, let 
the earth bring forth living creature after his kind, cattle 
and creeping thing and beast of the earth after his kind, 
and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth after 
their kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that 
creepeth upon the earth after his kind : and God saw that 
it was good. 

And God said, Let there be light, and there was light. 

[Note. — The bandage is here removed with a heavy shock. The 
candidates are then prepared to be raised from the Altar.] 

Worthy Superior to Candidates. — Candidates: The 
position that you are now in, represents you as being 
bowed at the altar of distress, needing assistance. It is also 
illustrative to you that according to the obligation that you 
have just taken that you are to assist a worthy brother or 
sister when in distress, by giving pecuniary aid or rendering 
them assistance in some way or manner to relieve them of 
their distress. 

Charity is one of the chief objects of this Order, and upon 
it is to be erected a superstructure of all the other Virtues 
which make the true Brother and Sister of Muses. True 
Brothers and Sisters of Moses will be slow to anger and easy 
to forgive. They will stay their falling brothers and sisters 
by gentle admonition, and warn them with kindness of 
approaching danger. Their faults and their follies will be 
locked in each other's breast, and prayer will ascend to 
Jehovah for their brothers' and sisters' sins. As we raise 
you from this altar just so you must raise a fallen brother 
or sister of this Order. 

[Note. — The candidate is then raised from the altar.] 

Worthy Superior. — I will now show and explain to you 
some of the most beautiful and sublime mysteries of this 



15 

Degree, as Moses travelled and performed them. After 
Moses had crossed the Red Sea the Lord called Moses up 
on a high mountain, and there he handed him those tablets 
upon which was written the Ten Commandments, and bid 
him call the men, women, and children out from among 
the children of Israel, and to form a circle. Then he 
showed Moses a pattern of heaven and bid him build a 
Tabernacle unto the Lord after the pattern which he had 
shown him. As Moses journeyed from the land of Egypt 
to the land of Canaan he pitched his tents in the land of 
Goshen, and formed the children of Israel in four squares; 
three tribes in the East, three tribes in the West, three 
tribes in the ^N"orth, and three tribes in the South, making 
in all twelve tribes of the children of Israel ; and he pitched 
the Holy Tabernacle in the centre of the encampment, in 
order that when the Lord came down to dwell in the 
Tabernacle it might be said that he dwelt in the midst of 
Israel. He placed sentinels about with drawn swords to 
guard the children of Israel, and to keep oft" all intruders 
that might try to impose on the children of Israel. So 
now we will give you a password and a countersign 
accompanied with a grip. 

[Xote. — The "Worthy Superior and Conductor instructs the 
candidates in way to enter the Tabernacle ; also in signs and pass- 
word ; and the candidate is then clothed with regalia of the First 
Degree of the Order. 

Worthy Superior. — I will now proceed to cloth you 
with the regalia of the First or White Degree of this Order, 
which is a white collar bound with blue, which illustrates 
to you that white means purity, and if we expect to walk 
with God we will walk with him in white ; and as a drop 
of ink would deface the looks of this collar, just so a 
disorderly member will ruin the reputation of this Order. 
The blue which this collar is trimmed with shows forth 
that blue means true, which is illustrative to you that you 
must be true to your brothers and sisters and the principles 
of this Order. 

Worthy Superior. — Are you satisfied with your initia- 
tion? 

Candidates. — I am. 

Worthy Superior. — Let me inform you that you are 
not fully initiated yet. Officers and members draw around 



16 

and form a circle to assist me in fully initiating these 
candidates. 

Worthy Superior to Candidates. — Have you. ever been 
linked and welded. 

Candidates. — I have not. 

[Note. — Worthy Superior then raises his right hand upward above 
his head with thumb and three fingers closed, leaving the little finger 
extended upward, and advances to candidates and instructs tbem in 
the same manner, and they link little 'fingers, and raise their hands 
up and down three times.] 

Worth]/ Superior. — This is what we call linking. You 
are now to be linked in our circle, and I trust that the link 
may not be broken until it is broken by the hand of death. 
I will now link you in this circle of the Brothers and Sisters of 
Moses in this Tabernacle, after which we will weld you in. 

WORTHY SUPERIOR'S ADDRESS TO TABERNACLE ON 
WELDING AND HAILING NEWLY INITIATED MEMBERS. 

Officers and Members Tabernacle, No , 

Ancient United Order of Sons and Daughters Brothers and 
Sisters of Moses : — I congratulate you upon the occasion of 
adding more links to your chain. May you all be like the 
good blacksmith when he is about to make a cable. He 
assorts the good iron from the bad, in order that there may 
not be any flaws in the cable ; just so you must be in bring- 
ing members into this Tabernacle, assort the good people 
from the bad people. So let us weld. May we never have 
to regret the initiation of these candidates here to-night. 
So let us weld. May we always look upon this night as a 
great event to the interest of the Order. So let us weld. 
May to-night's labors be as bread cast upon the waters, seen 
and gathered after many days. So let us weld. We will 
now hail our newly initiated candidates. May the members 
of this Tabernacle be ever vigilant in bringing members into 
this Tabernacle. All hail. May they bring so many in 
that the walls of this building will cry out and say that 
they cannot contain the Sons and Daughters of Moses. 
All hail. May the officers and members of this Tabernacle 
always be ready to work in the cause of suffering humanity, 
in order to relieve their brothers and sisters when in distress. 
All hail. 

I now declare you fully instructed in the First or 
White Degree of the Ancient United Order of Sons and 
Daughters Brothers and Sisters of Moses. 



17 



CLOSING. 



Worthy Superior. — "Worthy Vice, have you any more 
business in your department ? 

Worthy Vice. — Nothing but to close, "Worthy Superior. 

Worthy Superior. — Past Worthy Vice, have you any 
more business in your department ? 

Past Worthy Vice. — Nothing but to close, Worthy 
Superior. 

Worthy Superior. — Worthy Chaplain, have you any 
more business in your department? 

Worthy Chaplain. — Nothing but to close, Worthy Su- 
perior. 

Worthy Superior. — Worthy Secretary, have we any more 
business in our department ? 

Worthy Secretary. — Yes, Worthy Superior; receipts of 
the evening, $ 



Worthy Superior. — Receipts of the evening $ 

Worthy Superior, — Worthy Vice, Officers and Members : 

I am now about to close Tabernacle, No , from 

its labors. I hope that the business transacted here to-night 
was transacted in Union, Friendship and Love. Officers 
bring their works to the altar, members draw around and 
form a circle, and assist me to close this Tabernacle. 

[Note. — Worthy Superior calls up the house. Officers and 
Members form a circle. ] 

Worthy Superior. — Brothers and Sisters, according to 
the ancient custom of Moses in sending the children of 
Israel out from rest to labor, and in calling them from 
labor to rest, he formed them in a circle to know whether 
they had been resting in Peace and Harmony or working in 



18 

Union, Friendship and Love, and those who had not been 
resting in Peace and Harmony or working in Friendship 
and Love, were not allowed to assemble in the circle. So in 
like manner do we form you in a circle and swear you by 
asking you the following questions to know whether you are 
in Peace and Harmony with each other. 

Worthy Superior. — Are you all in Peace and Harmony 
with each other? 

Members respond. — I am. 

Worthy Superior. — Can you give the right hand of fel- 
lowship to each brother or sister now assembled in the 
circle? 

Members respond. — I can. 

Worthy Superior. — Will you aid a worthy brother or 
sister of this Order when in distress if in your power to 
do so? 

Members respond. — I will. 

Worthy Superior. — Brothers and Sisters, you have spoken 
with your lips ; it is with you and God to know whether 
your hearts mean what you have said. Let us go through 
our obligations. 

[Note. — Members repeat the following obligation after the 
Worthy Superior.] 

"To God the Father, to God the Son, to God the Holy 
Ghost. Rest remain with us. Keep us together under 
the laws, rules, regulations and principles of our Order. 
May we live under them as the children of Israel did live 
under the laws, rules, regulations and principles of Moses. 
May we be submissive to our superior officers so far as they 
carry out the rules, regulations and principles of our Order. 
May we bind these principles with a three-fold cord of love 
which cannot be broken by men nor by devils. Evermore, 
Amen." 

[Note. — Members make the following response three times.) 

Evermore, Amen. 

[The signs are then given, after which the W. V. and 
W. S. communicate.] 

Worthy Vice. — By direction of the Worthy Superior I 
now declare Tabernacle No. , Ancient United 



19 

Order Sods and Daughters Brothers and Sisters of Moses 
closed from the transaction of all business that may come 
before it. 

Worthy Superior. — I so declare the Tabernacle closed. 
How do the brothers and sisters of Moses part on the First 
Degree ? 

Members all respond. — So let us now part in Peace and 
Happiness. 

Worthy Superior. — By the authority of this Charter I 

now declare Tabernacle, l$o , closed from the 

transaction of all business that may come before it until the 

in unless in cases of emergency, then due notice 

will be given by the proper officers and the Tabernacle will 
be called in session. 

[Note.— Closing signs are then given, after which the members 
bid good night.] 

FINIS. 



